Oxford voters say no to buying water system from Aquarion

OXFORD — The second night of the annual town meeting began Thursday with a decision not to vote again on a controversial article that failed on the first day.

The article asked for $2.7 million to complete the purchase of the Oxford water system from Aquarion Water Co. In 2009, voters appropriated $6.7 million for that purpose.

At the meeting that started on Wednesday, a majority of residents voted against the additional funds, when the vote finally was taken just after midnight. Most residents went home after the vote, though the meeting continued with 20 articles yet to be voted on.

At about 12:30 a.m., Alan J. Hammond made a motion, which was seconded, to reconsider the Aquarion article. This led to a commotion, and then someone pulled the fire alarm at 12:35 a.m., according to Police Chief Michael C. Hassett. He said the incident is being investigated, and charges may be filed.

Town Manager Joseph M. Zeneski said, "It was a deliberate act to stop town meeting. This isn't over."

Town Moderator Russell C. Rheault continued the meeting to Thursday night and cleared the room before a vote could be taken on the request to vote again.

Several residents contacted media outlets to try to get the word out that the town meeting would reconvene Thursday evening for a potential second vote. Selectman Jarred J. Mahota said he paid to have a private company to "robocall" local residents to inform them that another vote was possible, and sign-holders on Main Street on Thursday encouraged voters to attend the Thursday evening meeting.

Proponents and opponents encouraged voters to attend the town meeting Thursday night.

On the first night of town meeting, 758 voters packed the high school. On Thursday, 445 voters participated, according to Mr. Rheault.

Town Manager Joseph M. Zeneski said the town still has the right to purchase the water company, if a future town meeting approves additional funds or if grants or other means are found to fund the full $8.2 million ordered by Worcester Superior Court Justice Daniel M. Wrenn in December for the purchase.